Alvin Community College and the University of Houston—Clear Lake have formalized an agreement that will allow students to transfer directly from an associate’s degree to a bachelor's degree program. Students in ACC associate's degree programs in general studies, psychology and computer information technology will be able to go on to earn bachelor's degrees in communication, criminal justice, computer science, computer engineering and psychology. This is the first time an opportunity to transfer from ACC to UHCL has been offered for these degree programs. Students interested in the program would need to complete their associate's degree, as well as the lower level courses necessary for their bachelor’s degree before transferring to UHCL as a junior. The lower-level courses would be completed at an ACC campus. “We see the role of public higher education in the same way,” UHCL President Ira Blake said in a release. “We both believe that public higher education is about providing access to multiple opportunities that support life and career success.” The program will begin this fall.